CAVE TOWN OF VARDZIA

The visit can be done alone, but a guide will show you all the secrets of the labyrinths and galleries of the troglodyte town of Vardzia. Where the first caves once stood were the stables. On the ground you will notice terracotta water pipes dating back to the 13th century. Spring water was supplied through a 3.5 km long tunnel. Next to the bell tower, you will see the remains of the pipes that redirected the 160,000 litres of water per day. In the rear part of the caves, food was stored (cool in summer and warm in winter).

The central monument of the city is the superb Church of the Assumption, half carved into the rock, half built. Its portico with two arches is a famous image. Unfortunately, the facade of the church has collapsed, but the half that remains is superb. According to tradition, the old bell tower of the church, which was made of gold, was next to the building and was taken by the Persian Shah Tahmasp I. Its frescoes are admirable (1184-1186, the same dates as the building of the church). At the entrance of the church, the Virgin carrying Jesus, between the angels Michael and Gabriel. But the most famous and one of the most important frescoes in Georgia is that of Queen Tamar as a young girl, dressed as a man before her wedding. We can see this by the fact that she wears no jewellery or wimple around her neck). To the right of her drawing is the inscription "King of the kings of all the East, daughter of Guiorgui, Tamar, may she live a long life". Next to the queen, or rather the king, as she is called as a sign of great respect, is her father Guiorgui III. To his right is the inscription "The King of the Kings of the East, son of Dimitri, George, King of the Kings".

In the church you can buy candles to go to the spring which is just on the left side of the church. If you pay attention to the steps and the head (apart from candlelight, there is no lighting), you will arrive at a drinking water source (9.6 ^m3 for a flow of 52 litres of water per day). These are "Tamar's tears", the orthodox make wishes there. You can go out through a gallery to the left of the altar (a monk can open the door). One can then continue the visit along the caves on the left. To return to the car park, go down the opposite side of the hill. Small stairs that lead back to another unlit gallery will take you directly to the bottom of the site.

To discover absolutely!